Submitted by
Bridget
a Cross Country Rider
from Southern Pines, NC
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2007
Strengths: Easily fits on muliple vehicles, does not scratch paint (my husband's main concern!). Great value for the money!!!
Weaknesses: I wish there were some way to lock it to the car- I like the lady's suggestion about the cable running from the tow hooks underneath- I'm going to try that.
Bottom Line:
I happened to run across this CHEAP! at sierratradingpost.com as a closeout- $90 retail, got it for $25 with a free shipping promotion! The arms are a little wobbly, but my bikes are always secure. Mine has the velcro straps that securely tighten bikes up to the arms, but it was suggested in the instructions to use additional tie-downs so I use bungees to secure tires and such to rack- with that the handlebars don't move and the pedals don't spin and hit the car. I have taken this rack on trips as long as 4 hours to the mountains with two mountain bikes and never had a problem. You can get this rack as tight as you want pretty easily- like one guy said, pull the rack toward the side you want to tighten then pull the straps tight and put a little half-hitch past the buckle. Do that on both sides and that thing isn't budging. Also, I went from a trunk mount to a hatchback mount (on a Mazdaspeed3) which has a back wiper and a wide roof spoiler and had no trouble getting it to fit and not scratch the paint (my husband is very paranoid about that). I love how quickly I can take the rack on and off my car, and that I can still use my trunk/hatchback with it attached. Lastly, I don't have to take off my front wheel to transport my bike. Personally, I think anyone who wants an easy-to-install and use bike rack should buy this. Someone who invests in very expensive bikes might want to invest in a more expensive roof rack just for the simple facts that it would make it harder to steal if the rack were not so easy to get off the vehicle.
Strengths: Inexpensive, versatile and easy to use - I've been able to use it on not only a car trunk, but a hatchback and van as well and getting it secure is a breeze on all of them.
Weaknesses: Make sure you tighten down the straps well - and put a couple of half hitches in them after you get them tight. They do tend to come loose after a time.
Bottom Line:
Overall, a pretty good and reliable product. I have used it for about 8 years now and haven't had any problems with it, once I noticed that I should secure the straps with some half hitches. I haven't used it on any long trips, but getting around town with a bike or two has been just fine. I've had three different cars since I've owned it and it has worked just fine on all three (a car, hatchback and a van). I would definately buy another just like it when the time comes. For my use, it's been just fine.
Bike Setup: A much loved (although probably very out of date) Schwinn Impact Pro MOS I've had for 10 years and just can't seem to give up. It's been like my favorite shoes - the more I break it in, the more comfortable it is, no matter what it looks like now.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas
a Weekend Warrior
from Iowa City, IA USA
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2004
Strengths: Ease of attachment to a variety of automobiles, flexibility of bikes accepted: it would accept my Burley recumbent, 18 inch mtn bike, and a road bike at the same time.
Weaknesses: Bike holders slip a little at high speeds, had to secure with tie downs. Rubber straps (which are a breeze to work with) deteriorated over the years. I called Rhodegear cutomer service, and they sent me a free replacement set without proof of purchase! Straps that attach to auto needed to be re-tightened more often than I would like.
Bottom Line:
Solid, easy to use rack that has never failed me. I would reccommend to the occasional user, but not to the high frequency user.
Submitted by
Jed
a Cross Country Rider
from American Fork, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2004
Strengths: * Price ($90 retail but at Overstock.com only $38!!!!) * Adjustability * Ease of set up * Security * Solid * Rubber Straps replaced by Velcro * Peace of Mind when my bike is on the rack
Weaknesses: It is a little difficult to fit my bike on the rack due to the geometry of my frame (full suspension), but I can get it on pretty easy now.
Bottom Line:
This bike rack is great. It took me about 5-10 minutes to dial everything in and now it takes me about a minute to put the rack on my car (a Camary).
In previous posts people complained and cautioned about the rubber straps. Well no need to fear now. They replaced those with strong velco straps that cinch down and secure the bike to the rack. And to further secure your bike they provided an independent 3-4 foot strap that you use to wrap around the down tube and the rack to really secure that puppy to the rack. Trust me, that bike is not coming off the rack.
Here's the low-down on how to be able to put your rack on in 1-2 minutes.
After you have put your rack on for the first time and have everything cinched down tight, put half-hitches behind the top straps and both of the side straps to keep them from loosening... Now when it comes time to take the rack off of your car, only undo the knot on one of the side-straps. When this is loose, you can move the rack and remove the other side/bottom strap without undoing the knot. The top straps will be easy to take off the car now that the side/bottom straps are undone.
Next time that you want to put your rack on that same car you can just put the top-straps on and the one side/bottom strap that is still tied, then you can put the loose side strap on and when you cinch that one down it will then tighten the other side/bottom strap by pulling against it. It only takes about 2 minutes or less now. Also the excess length on the straps can be easily folded up several times and kept neat by rubber "belt" loops.
One other great thing is that you can tighten down the quick-release lever that controls the orientation of the racks supports and arms from its opposite side, thereby really tightening the quick-release down well and having peace of mind about the rack.
I used this rack on dirt roads, on the freeway going 70-75mph and I never once worried about my bike. When my bike is completely secured, I can grab my bike, move it side to side, and the whole car moves side to side with it!! Now that is secure.
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2003
Strengths: Very adaptable -- I've used it on five or six different vehicles with minimal hassle.
Reasonably secure -- Holds the bikes well (but see weaknesses).
Weaknesses: Watch those straps! They loosen. Getting the rack mounted is a cinch, but once it's loaded, you have to perform a bit of a dance, tightening straps, driving a bit, tightening straps a bit more, etc. Be sure to hitch up the extra slack, too. A couple of half-hitches help keep the strap from loosening.
Since I drive a little 4x4 now, I prefer to just leave the rack mounted to the spare tire, now that it's all tightened. But I do inspect the straps on a daily basis.
Bottom Line:
Easy to use; reasonably secure; good value for the price (8 years ago, anyway); adjustment of the loaded rack is essential; inspect all parts regularly (every time you use the rack; daily if you use the rack daily).
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Sterling, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003
Strengths: installs quickly, great hold for shorter travels
Weaknesses: check rack tightness regularly, inspect rubber straps every time you use it, parts hard to locate in my area
Bottom Line:
I have had this rack for about 5 years now. I really like it because it fits every car I have tried, to include full size vans and SUVs. I do recommend checking all the tie downs regularly as you travel. The rack ties don't loosen all that much, but the straps will weaken if not used for some time. I am on my second pair of rubber straps now and need new ones after last winter. It happens.
I have traveled with 2 bikes on this rack at speeds up to 75mph too. As long as you installed it correctly, and checked and tightened the straps during the trip, it will stay put and not sway at all. There is also an extra loop strap with this rack that i use to keep the bikes from sliding up the bars as well as holding the front wheel away from my bumper.
This is a very good rack for the person who can't use a roof rack or needs to travel with different vehicles. If you want something that is fast loading and more permanent, go with a roof mounted rack.
Rated a 5 because I have used it for so long without any out of the ordinary issues.
Submitted by
Tim Hilton
a Cross Country Rider
from MA
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2003
Strengths: Adjustable to anything with wheels
Weaknesses: STRAPS!!! and retaining rubber
Bottom Line:
The rubber straps broke with no wear or warning at 70 MPH. I have tried to contact the company but have gotten nothing but a form letter. I did recover the bike but it was totaled. At least it gave me the chance to upgrade to a Cannondale Jeckyl. DO NOT TRUST THIS RACK!.
Similar Products Used: I use the inside of the car now thank you.
Bike Setup: was a Schwinn s95 with up grades...now its twisted metal
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Kristina P
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfax,VA
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2002
Strengths: Light and Easy to install
Weaknesses: The straps-they stretch in the heat and become brittle in the cold. See below...
Bottom Line:
I wouldn't buy this rack again. It ruined the paint on my bike (scratched it all the way down to the aluminum) and all the straps split and broke on the same day. The straps seemed to work fine as long as the temperature was above 50 degrees but as soon as the temperatures dropped, the straps became brittle and just snapped. Even on hot days, the straps would stretch out and by the time I'd get to my riding destination, the bike would be resting on the bar instead of the plastic. Hence, the paint being chipped on my bike. I'm going to try the Saris bones rack now and hopefully that one will last more than a year!
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO, USA
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2002
Strengths: Cheap.
Weaknesses: Scary. Dangerous.
Bottom Line:
Beware this rack, it cost me my Cannondale hardtail. The rubber straps on the bike cradle broke without warning and dumped my bike on the interstate at 65 mph. I didn't notice until a couple of miles down the road and, needless to say, never found the bike. I had used the rack (skeptically) for a couple of years without any problems, always with the idea of eventually getting a quality roof rack. Take my advice friends, and don't wait. Spend the extra $ for the peace of mind and for the sake of your bike. If you must use this rack, inspect the straps for wear regularly and replace annually.
Similar Products Used: Yakima Terra Firma hitch rack. Yakima roof rack
Bike Setup: Now I have a Trek Fuel 98. Previously a Cannondale F700 hardtail.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
T
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2001
Strengths: anti-sway device, easy to put on and take off
Bottom Line:
I just used this rack for the first time last weekend. Over a 7 hour ride, it held up with little strap slippage and sway (although I watched it in the mirror constantly). The key to it is getting the straps tight. The trick that I figured out is to put the rack on as the directions direct. Then, after all of the straps are fastened, tighten the straps by pulling the rack toward the particular strap and tightening the strap. Do this on all straps and the rack will not move at all. For example, with the rack on, to tighten the left side strap (facing the back of the car), pull the rack arm to the left a bit (it flexes) and tighten the strap. This works very well. Also, make sure that you have another strap around your bike to the base of the rack. This prevents the anti-sway holders from sliding up the rack.
Overall, this is a good cheap rack that should last for a long time. If you are frequently travelling with your bike, you may want to get a hitch rack as they are a little stronger and cause less wear and tear on your car.
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from E. Brunswick, NJ
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2001
Strengths: More point of connection to the car trunk than some other, similar racks. Very thorough instructions.
Weaknesses: Same as all trunk racks - there's some element of risk to car and bike. If any one component goes, the bike may be toast.
Bottom Line:
This is the only rack that the LBS had in stock, so there was no choice. I wanted the Super 2 shuttle, but they had only the 3, which they gave me for the same price. It's been used twice so far. The LBS mounted it on my car, so I could get the bike home. They did it wrong, and I might have lost the bike if I had gone more than a few miles. Moral of the story - read the directions very carefully. Read them several times. If you haven't used the rack for awhile, read them again. Note that the rack can't be used on every car or van. Be sure it's OK for yours before buying. The directions specifically say that it can't be used with some cars and vans that use lighter weight materials in the trunk or hatch area. If in doubt, check with Bell Sports (Rhode Gear) first. Don't assume that the LBS knows this stuff, or even knows how to mouth the rack correctly.
Bike Setup: C'dale Jekyll profile design riser bars avids arch rivals XT levers: Fisher Big Sur with XT everything, race face cranks,
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2000
Strengths: Quick setup; stores easily
Weaknesses: Plastic eyelets; doesn't seem too stable at highway speeds; trunk rack - won't do most FS bikes, trouble w/small frames
Bottom Line:
After one year of use, one of the plastic eyelets, holding two of the straps to my trunk broke. Fortunately, the bike wasn't damaged - but could have been. Their Customer Service dept. was excellent. They determined exactly what I needed, and sent me a replacement part immediately at no charge. Regardless, a cheap plastic piece of the rack did break, and I will forevermore be wary of using this rack as a result.
The rack barely fits a 16" hardtail - and is fine for anything larger. Anything under 16, and chances are you're SOL. Ditto for most FS bikes. Mine so happens to fit - but I got lucky - nothing against this specific rack here, this is just the nature of trunk racks.
I'm not very confident in the stability of the rack at highway speeds - but have never had a problem there either. The straps do loosen over a short period of time.
Probably among the better trunk racks out there - but be aware of this category's inherent flaws. Mine was free - so 5 flamers on the Value front. Minus 2 on the overall for the broken rack, plus one for excellent customer service.
Submitted by
Kate Adams
a Weekend Warrior
from Mefuh, Mass
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2000
Strengths: Easy on/easy off Holds a family full of bikes
Weaknesses: Built-in security is lacking (see below)
Bottom Line:
I'm going to buy the new super shuttle. I just read the reviews and it sounds good. I've owned the original model for almost a decade and it's shot after sever dozen thousand miles, usually loaded with bikes and lawn chairs and anything else we could get on it. We also need more space.
SECURITY KLUDGE for those who are interested. It is possible to lock your bike to your car and the rack to the car. Get some kryptocables or similar bike security cable. Loop them through the rear towing eyes on your car and secure them to the bikes and rack with the lock (cable or ulock)you normal use to secure it to a bike rack or street sign. Someone can still cut your straps, but they ain't gonna get yer bikes free of the towing eyes without a fight.
Towing eyes are loops of steel which are welded to the frame of your car and generally happen on each side just under the rear bumper.
Similar Products Used: Still own smooth-armed predicessor shuttle purchased in '91
Bike Setup: Bianchi Eros, Cannondale touring bike, Univega Commuter Tank, Adams folding trail-a-bike
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Eric Myers
a Downhiller
from Kalamazoo
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2000
Strengths: inexpensive, can fit on almost any vehicle, solid looking construction, simple design, Rhode Gear reputation/customer service
Weaknesses: it's a trunk mount, no bike anti-sway devices
Bottom Line:
Initial quality seems very high. I was hesitant to trust my $2000 bike with a $70 rack, but Rhode Gear's reputation for quality was re-assuring. I'll repost after i put mucho miles on it. Check out Sears, they have it for $70. four chilis because i'm not sure how it will end up after several thousand miles.
